Soroptimist International, Birkenhead started ‘Pamper Day for Young Carers’ in February 2010 as part of Wirral Met College’s Programme Action work.
Initially it was a joint venture with Wirral Borough Council but now they work with Barnardos who organise bringing young carers to Wirral Met College where the event is held, for one day each year in both the February and October half-terms.
Hairdressing and beauty therapy students volunteer to perform mini treatments including facials, nail painting, Indian head massage, shampoo/blow-drying and hair-ups for the young carers.
Staff help to perform treatments and supervise the volunteer hairdressing students in one salon whilst a member of SI Birkenhead who is a beauty & holistic therapist performs treatments and supervises the volunteer beauty therapy students in a second salon.
Members of SI Birkenhead make and take lunch to the college for the young carers and the students. Each young carer receives a gift provided by SI Birkenhead when they leave.
Not only do the young carers thoroughly enjoy their treatments, they benefit from meeting up with one another and sharing experiences as do their parents who can attend if they wish. The students gain valuable assessment opportunities and employability skills as part of their study programme.